The Picture

He found a photograph of a woman he didn’t know tucked inside a book he didn’t remember buying.

Gilbert was doing a “purge.” He tried to go through all his belongings at least once a year and donate any items he no longer “loved.” He was going through his books when he came across one that was unfamiliar to him. How did this get here? he thought. He opened the book and a picture fell out. Gilbert studied it. The photograph was of a woman with dark hair. She was smiling at the camera, her eyes crinkled in a pleasant way. He turned the picture over and there was a phone number written on the back.

Gilbert set the book and picture on his side table and meant to get back to work, but all he could think of was the mystery of how those items got into his house. He called his daughter and his best friend and asked them if they had brought him a new book to read. Both denied doing any such thing. He studied the picture, trying to recall meeting the woman, but he had no memory of her at all.

He picked up his phone and began to call the number on the picture, but he stopped when he realized he had no idea what he would say. He jumped up and paced, trying to think. Finally, Gilbert decided he would tell her the truth.

He heard the line ringing when a pleasant female voice answered, “Hello?”

“Hello. This is going to sound strange, but my name is Gilbert Smith and I found your photograph in a book in my house. Have we ever met?”

“No, I’m afraid not. My name is Penny and I’ve been hoping to reach you. Did you know your car’s warranty has expired?”

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This week’s Story Starter teaser is:

He found a photograph of a woman he didn’t know tucked inside a book he didn’t remember buying.”

Fandango’s Story Starter #224